Austrian PV and Battery Storage Subsidies: High Demand and Planned Reforms

Austria recently experienced exceptionally high demand for subsidies targeting photovoltaic systems and battery storage. The third and final funding round of the year saw approximately 43,300 applications submitted within just ten minutes of the funding portal's opening, managed by the OeMAG agency. This significantly surpassed the 24,900 applications received in the same timeframe during the second round. This overwhelming interest has prompted the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism to reconsider its approach to PV subsidies.

Following extensive consultations with representatives from the electrical engineering industry, retailers, and the PV&B Austria industry association, the ministry has put forward proposals for a revised subsidy framework. The aim is to move away from the current system of annual funding windows, where applicants compete on a first-come, first-served basis. Elisabeth Zehetner, Austria’s state secretary for energy, emphasized the need for a subsidy system that enables effective planning for both individuals and businesses. The existing system even led to organized training sessions and campaigns designed to improve applicants' chances of securing funding, highlighting the necessity for change.

Starting in 2027, applicants would be able to submit funding requests year-round, alongside their final invoices, after project completion. The new plan introduces a battery storage bonus, replacing conventional investment grants. This bonus would prioritize battery storage systems integrated with new or existing PV arrays, provided they are connected to a smart energy management system. Such systems would become mandatory to qualify for funding. The specific details regarding the bonus amount and technical eligibility requirements are still being finalized.

Another key aspect of the proposed reform is the support for European manufacturing. For storage systems installed with new PV systems, a 'Made in Europe' inverter will be a mandatory requirement. An additional 'Made in Europe' bonus will remain available for storage systems retrofitted to existing PV installations. The ministry indicated that PV systems equipped with smart battery storage, invoiced or commissioned on or after November 1, 2026, would be eligible to apply for funding under the new scheme in 2027. Herbert Paierl, CEO of PV&B Austria, welcomed the increased focus on battery storage but called for greater flexibility regarding the European content requirements.

Source: pv magazine

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• Oostenrijk
• subsidies
• batterijopslag
• PV
• energiebeheer

This article is an Oranje-Eco summary of a report by pv magazine. Read the original: pv magazine.